Police in South Yorkshire tested 3,372 motorists for drink driving over Christmas

The number of drink drivers arrested during the Christmas period fell by two per cent from last year.

Officers carried out 3,372 breath tests in South Yorkshire during December and four per cent of those tested - 149 motorists - were over the drink drive limit, refused or failed to provide a sample. The year before, six per cent of the 3,983 tests carried out over the same period were positive.

Police chiefs have revealed that of the 3,372 cases in 2014, 599 tests - 18 per cent - were carried out following collisions.

The year before 730 tests were carried out after crashes.

Head of Roads Policing, Chief Inspector Glen Suttenwood, of South Yorkshire Police, said: “These results show how the influence of alcohol raises the chances of provoking accidents.

“Drivers are advised to keep in mind that drink driving puts at risk both their lives and the lives of others and to think twice before getting behind the wheel.

“South Yorkshire Police will continue to be vigilant and target those who drink and drive.”

From the total number of people breathalysed during the 2014 campaign, 886 were under 25.

Of those, 59 motorists - seven per cent - were arrested for failing the test.

Of those over the age of 25, 90 motorists - four per cent - tested positive, failed to provide a sample or refused to take the test.

Nationally, the figures from the Association of Chief Police Officers revealed that of 133,996 tests administered, four per cent tested positive, failed or refused to take part compared to three per cent the year before.

Six per cent of the under 25s tested failed a breath test and four per cent of over 25s.

Chief Constable Davenport, of ACPO, said: “Our message is very simple and very clear – you are breaking the law, you are risking your life and the lives of those around you and the consequences of doing so will plague you for the rest of your life. Do not drive under the influence.”